Division of Bohol: Republic of The Philippines Department of Education Region VII, Central Visayas
Division of Bohol: Republic of The Philippines Department of Education Region VII, Central Visayas
Division of Bohol: Republic of The Philippines Department of Education Region VII, Central Visayas
Department of Education
Region VII, Central Visayas
Division of Bohol
Name: ______________________________ Grade & Section: __________________ Date: ___________
Concept Notes:
How does philosophy define the person’s relationship with the environment?
Philosophers believe that persons have a special relationship with nature because of their rationality.
They are not only part of nature, but they can also shape, transform and cultivate it. However, this also means
that they are capable of inflicting the most harm on it.
Environmental philosophy is a branch of philosophy that is concerned with the natural environment
and humanity’s place in it. It deals with the issues concerning humanity’s role in the world, the interaction
between nature and humans, and human response to environmental challenges.
Major philosophical views regarding the person’s relationship with nature includes;
1. Anthropocentrism – which considers humans the most significant species on the planet, and that nature
provides humankind with the means to survive and develop.
2. Biocentrism or Biocentric view – gives equal importance to all organism on the planet, and considers them
as having inherent worth.
3. Ecocentrism or Ecocentric view – emphasizes ecosystem and biological communities, and considers
humans as stewards of nature.
4. Environmental Aesthetics – a philosophical view that believes maintaining order in the environment will
bring out the natural beauty of surroundings and contribute to the well-being of the people and other
organisms living in it.
Emerge in 1970, advocating human responsibility and action with regard to environmental issues
Its main ideas are the following:
All nonhuman elements of the world, including animals and natural resources have intrinsic value and
should be preserved.
The preservation of the environment will benefit humans by providing for the needs of present and
future generations.
Humankind has a responsibility to safeguard the planet as stewards of creation.
Social ecology – applies an ecological and ethical approach in analyzing society, and sees a
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region VII, Central Visayas
Division of Bohol
relationship between social problems and environmental problems. Society should therefore,
implement changes in order to address issues regarding the environment.
Climate ethics and climate justice – arouse from the growing concern with climate change, and
consider it a significant ethical, social, political issue.
Environmental justice – refers to the fair distribution of environmental benefits, as well as the burden
of meeting environmental challenges.
Environmental Aesthetics – focused on the concepts of beauty in nature, but has become increasingly
influenced by environmental concerns.
Activity 1
Activity 1
Analyze the following situations and determine which of them show the right or moral choice with
regard to the environment. Discuss your thoughts in a two to three sentences.
1. A mining corporation decided to save cost and did not construct an effective storing facility for mining waste.
The improperly stored waste leaked and polluted the nearby river, poisoned marine life, and caused people in
the nearby village to get sick.
2. A businessman bought a large piece of farmland and decides to convert it into subdivision. During
construction, hundreds of trees were uprooted and streams were covered in cement.
3. A local official led a campaign to set aside several hectares of forested land in their city as water shed area.
This area was declared off-limits to loggers and miners.
4. An animal shelter partnered with the local government to conduct free vaccination drives for pet the shelter
also coordinates with the local police to address cases involving animal cruelty.
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region VII, Central Visayas
Division of Bohol
Concept Notes:
Example:
"the sustainability of economic growth"
"the pursuit of global environmental sustainability"
Activity 1
Reflect on how you and your family use natural resources at home and fill the table below.